Workers resigned to staying put in 2003

UK
employees will be less likely to move jobs in 2003 than in previous years, but
they are looking to improve the quality of their working life in the short
term, according to new research from Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow.

The
study, conducted by the NOP (National Opinion Poll), reveals that only 12 per
cent of employees plan to move from their current companies next year, compared
with an average employee turnover of 18.2 per cent in 2001.

Surprisingly,
although employees have decided to stay with their current companies, the
majority (64 per cent) did not mention hopes of a pay rise next year, and 85
per cent are not expecting promotions.So what are employees’ priorities for 2003?

Chris
Noon of Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow said: "The research has revealed
employees are not expecting great financial rewards in 2003. A long term
approach to planning for the future has been rejected by most survey
participants in favour of ‘softer’ goals, which relate to their working
lifestyles."

The
research shows that three times more employees rated avoiding stress at work
and taking advantage of learning opportunities as higher priorities than
joining a pension scheme.

Signing
up for a pension is the lowest priority for 2003, with nine out of 10 employees
not planning to make any arrangements, while a third intend to reduce stress
levels and take advantage of training programmes.

Employees’
2003 work wish list:

1.
Salary increase or better benefits

2.
Avoid getting stressed about work

3.
Take more advantage of any learning opportunities available

4.
Spend more time at home or away from work

5.
Plan more for the future (retirement, school fees, other investments)